Program and speakers
Keynote speaker is:
Gihan Perera
Are you feeling ‘Fit for the Future’ in your tourism business?
The world is changing faster than ever, and we know there is more uncertainty and disruption in our future.
From digital expansion to climate action, from fresh faces in the office to new rules on how and where we work, and from social change to AI – these aren’t just disruptions, they are your next big chance.
You might think the future is outside your control, but that’s not true. We can’t be future proof, but we can be future ready. We all can shape the future – and that starts now.
Explore the trends shaping our future, understand the skills and mindset we most need now, and learn how to thrive in a fast-changing world. Come ready to think, laugh, learn and leave with a game plan for your own future.
This session is for businesses and their teams that are:
• facing increasing competition from inside and outside the industry
• feeling tired, stressed, burned out and jaded – and need a spark of energy and inspiration
• wanting their people to take more initiative and be more open to change
• worried or scared about change and want to have a more optimistic and positive mindset
• wanting to be an employer of choice for attracting and keeping the best talent.
Speaker sessions include:
Navigating aviation for tourism
Panel session moderated by Simon Elsegood, CAPA – Centre for Aviation
Aviation has been a hot topic in the Northern Territory over the last decade. We have seen airlines come and go, routes start and stop, schedules change, airfares go up… why is this?
Join us to hear from some the Territory’s longest standing partners including speakers from airlines, airports and aviation attraction to discuss issues and share insights into the aviation world. There will also be an opportunity for the audience to participate in a Q & A during the session.
Dark days ahead: Why dark sky tourism and Australia's multiple eclipses are good news for regional tourism
Presented by founder of Being in the Shadow, Dr Kate Russo
Dark sky tourism is on the rise, and Australia’s upcoming total solar eclipses (2028, 2030, 2037, and 2038) present unique opportunities for regional tourism, particularly in the Northern Territory. In this informative session, Dr Kate Russo will highlight the growing appeal and opportunities in astronomical experiences and events and how destinations can leverage dark sky tourism.
Future of distribution
Presented by Rachael Glendinning, Industry Relations Manager – ACT, NSW, NT and QLD, Tourism Australia.
In 2024, Tourism Australia undertook a research project in partnership with Deloitte to unpack the post-pandemic complexities of tourism distribution. Outlined in the ‘Future of Distribution’ report are high level insights to support tourism operators and the Australian tourism industry in responding to the rapidly evolving consumer dynamics and the global travel distribution landscape.
Rachael Glendinning will provide a deep dive in the mega themes identified in the report and how the Territory tourism industry can leverage these insights in their own distribution journey.
Aboriginal tourism opportunities and partnerships
Hear an engaging panel discussion as we explore the opportunities and partnerships supporting the growth of Aboriginal tourism in the Northern Territory. Through real case studies the panel will showcase the successful collaborations between Aboriginal tourism operators and key partners, offering valuable insights into the creation of culturally rich experiences for visitors to the Territory.
This session is a must for tourism operators looking to understand the power of partnerships in delivering high-quality, culturally significant experiences.
Maximising profit and weathering the storm – The tourism jigsaw
Dr Martin Farley is principal of creating Preferred Futures and a director within KPMG.
This session will discuss a practical way to unpack and explore what ‘good’ looks like and how to keep it. Dr Farley will introduce and explore a practical high performance logic model that’s been used around the country to help turn business around, optimise profits and performance whilst remaining a practical tool suitable for solo operator and small business alike.
Following this session, you will be able to:
• access the high performance logic model
• use the model to generate and support rapid, simple and informed decision-making
• understand cause and effects of certain options/courses of action – including financial and business performance implications
• determine the best approach and setup performance KPIs to measure actual performance
• stay buoyant and vibrant in tough economic conditions.
Value of destination marketing for you
Presented by Tony Quarmby, Chief Marketing Officer at Tourism NT.
Effective destination marketing plays a crucial role in attracting visitors. In this session, Tony will unpack Tourism NT destination marketing campaigns and initiatives designed to showcase the Territory domestically and internationally, and how tourism businesses can maximise the activity.